GEAR REVIEW: Saucony Endorphin Pro+

Do not judge my lack. of manicure please and thank you.

It’s been a long time since I was this hyped on a sneaker. As someone who adores the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, I knew that I was going to geek over the Endorphin Pro+. A limited release sneaker coming out this week, the Pro+ is essentially a next-level version of the 2. Complete with a

Compared to the 2, the Pro+ has a much thinner mesh upper that feels super lightweight. When I started to run around my neighborhood, I could instantly feel the ventilation hit the top of my foot. It’s also got what Saucony refers to as PWRRUN PB Foam and a carbon fiber plate that provides even more bounce than the 2. This is the closest that another brand has come to mimicking the sensation that a runner may feel in Nike’s Vaporfly NEXT%, but the difference with this particular shoe is that it feels a lot more secure in all transparency. My foot feels a little more locked in, and the ankle feels more stable in this sneaker than in the Vaporfly NEXT%. Aesthetically, I love the fresh white look, too.

The question arises: Do I need the Pro+ over the Endorphin Pro 2? It’s funny. I remember when I first heard about the NEXT%, I was like I’ve been running marathons for years without these, do I really need them? Now, I admittedly have owned at least five different pairs to date. If you had to pick ONE trainer to run regularly in and race in, I’d go Pro 2. But if you have If I had access to both and have the means to get both, then — I say go for it.

The Endorphin Pro+ retails for $250, and is available starting September 28 on Saucony.com.